2015 Ram Power Wagon Long Term Report 4 of 4

2015 Ram Power Wagon

And just like that, our year with the ’15 Ram Power Wagon is over. Man, that went fast. But time always flies when you’re having fun. Overall, we had very few gripes and mostly praise for our test unit. The vehicle has held together fairly well thus far, but if we had a few more months with our Ram Power Wagon, the memories may not be quite so rosy. Indeed, the leather on the driver seat has begun wearing a bit more than when we last reported in Part 3 of our yearlong evaluation (July ’16). It has more deep cracks and creases, and you can already tell the surface of the seat will soon start checking and peeling. Also, the “shelf paper” black-vinyl applique between the driver and passenger side windows has wrinkled a bit worse than when we last reported. And then, literally five days before Ram was to come collect our test vehicle, the front suspension began clunking and clinking from the driver side when we ran over bumps, potholes, and road irregularities. A cursory inspection revealed the driver-side front sway bar end link grease seal had separated and grease containing fine metal shavings had puked out. Unfortunately, the truck had to go back before we could get a fix at the dealer, but add it to the short list of mechanical deficiencies we encountered.

Photo 2/5
| Ram Power Wagon Four Wheeler Pickup Truck Of The Year Front

Otherwise, aside from sucking down go-go juice like a sorority girl at a frat party, the big, thirsty pickup didn’t miss a beat. It remained surefooted and dry inside during SoCal’s infrequent El Niño rainstorms, offered up plenty of cargo carrying capacity in the bed and RamBoxes, and hauled six passengers and a towed vehicle or trailer on numerous occasions. The on-road ride is unparalleled for a 3/4-ton pickup. We keep hammering on how good the suspension tune is both on- and off-pavement, but you really have to drive one to see just that we’re not exaggerating. There’s no excess rolling, chattering, or untamed movements despite what’s going on under the tires. The Power Wagon just handles irregularities like nobody’s business. And the Laramie package definitely spoils you while you’re enjoying the ride. The only real thing the Ram Laramie package doesn’t make easier on you (or any auto-equipped Ram pickup for that matter) is quickly selecting the Tow/Haul function and/or toggling down transmission gears. In older Rams, the Tow/Haul mode was actuated via a little button on the end of the shifter stalk. Now, it’s just another square button under the HVAC controls, which is easily forgotten and hard to find if you want it quickly. But otherwise, there are heated and air-conditioned seats, a steering wheel warmer, an absolutely killer sound system, and power outlets everywhere.

What’s Hot, What’s Not
Hot: Laramie interior is simply a nice place to be
Not: Keys instead of push-button ignition starting to feel archaic

Logbook Quotes
“The behind-the-wheel radio controls are the best in the business.”
“Very little wind noise despite having the relative shape of a barn.”
“What’s that clunking noise? Sway bar end link? Control arm bushing?”